The Ecologist Goes to Washington features the stories and reflections of scientists who have engaged their local, state, or federal governments in addressing the broader implications of their research.

Perspectives on Policy from ESA’s President, Norm Christensen

Dr. Norm Christensen, ESA’s President, recounts how he first became involved in policy and offers his personal perspectives on how ESA can best navigate policy issues while remaining true to science. He outlines the major ecological issues that the Society will likely tackle in the future and doles out words of wisdom for scientists interested in applying their research in the policy arena.

Scientists claim to value science, but their choice of what to study is very subjective, thereby biasing the results. For example, I don’t think there is much research on human-free habitat. The concept doesn’t even exist outside a few people like me. Nor is there any acknowledgement of humans as an exotic species. Mention of humans in the context of exotic species is conspicuously absent! I also haven’t seen much on the abuse of science, such as the fact that so-called “researchers” on mountain biking impacts deliberately misrepresent their results, in order to promote their hobby. Do you know of anyone doing these kinds of work?